FAS
First and Seconds — the highest grade in the NHLA hardwood lumber grading system. Minimum clear-face yield of 83-1/3% (FAS) or 83-1/3% plus small defects (1F).
Read the definitionThe glossary
The trade terms you'll come across.
Plain-English definitions for the words that turn up when you're buying, specifying or working with timber.
FAS/1F
A combined NHLA grade for hardwood lumber meeting either FAS or FAS 1F standards. FAS requires 83-1/3% clear face; 1F allows small defects on the best face.
Read the definitionFibre saturation point
The moisture content (approximately 25-30%) at which all free water has been removed but cell walls remain fully saturated. Below this point, wood begins to shrink.
Read the definitionFibre saturation point (FSP)
Fibre saturation point (FSP) is the moisture content at which the cell walls are fully saturated with bound water but the cell cavities (lumens) contain no free water. Below FSP, changes in bound water cause shrinkage and swelling; above FSP, dimensional change is minimal.
Read the definitionFibres
Long, thick-walled cells (especially prominent in hardwoods) that provide much of wood’s mechanical strength.
Read the definitionFiddleback
A pronounced ribbon-stripe figure caused by interlocked grain, typically seen in quartered timber. Named for its use on violin backs. Common in sycamore, maple, and eucalyptus.
Read the definitionFigure
The pattern of light and dark areas on the surface of wood, created by growth rings, rays, knots, grain deviations, and colour variations. Determines the decorative value of timber.
Read the definitionFilm-forming finish
A film-forming finish is a coating that creates a continuous surface layer (e.g., varnish, lacquer, paint). It slows moisture exchange between wood and air, reducing the rate of movement (but not stopping it).
Read the definitionFlat-sawn
Flat-sawn (also called plain-sawn) describes boards cut so the growth rings are roughly parallel to the wide face. Flat-sawn boards often show cathedral grain and usually have greater tangential movement across their width, making them more prone to cupping than quarter-sawn boards.
Read the definitionFlat-sawn (plain-sawn)
Boards sawn so the growth rings are roughly parallel to the wide face (typically 0–30° ring angle).
Read the definitionForest management
The planning and implementation of practices to maintain and enhance the health, productivity, and value of forest lands for various purposes.
Read the definitionFree water
Moisture held in the cell cavities (lumens) of wood, not chemically bound to cell walls. Free water is removed first during drying and does not cause shrinkage.
Read the definitionFrost crack
A longitudinal crack in a tree trunk caused by rapid temperature drop, creating tension in the outer wood layers. Common in hardwoods in cold climates.
Read the definitionFSC certification
Forest Stewardship Council certification — an independent third-party label verifying that forest products come from sustainably managed forests meeting environmental and social standards.
Read the definitionFungal attack
Any invasion of wood by fungi, ranging from surface discolouration (stain fungi) to structural degradation (decay fungi). Fungi require moisture, oxygen, and temperatures between 20-35°C to grow.
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